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2017 Press Releases

UCC celebrates John A's 90th

18 Jan 2017
Dr Michael Murphy (L) with John A Murphy at the unveiling of the bust Image: Tomás Tyner, UCC

The Community of University College Cork gathered in the University's Aula Maxima to celebrate the 90th Birthday of John A Murphy, Emeritus Professor of Irish History and University Historian.

As part of the celebrations, a bronze portrait bust of John A was unveiled. The bust will be displayed in a prominent public location on campus.

The bust comes from an original plaster model of Professor John A Murphy made by his great friend Seamus Murphy RHA, sculptor, in 1973 and held currently by the Crawford Gallery Cork.

The bronze piece was commissioned by UCC from the Murphy Family through Colm Murphy and his sister Bebhinn Martin.  It is the first and only bronze piece to be cast from the original.  The casting was done by sculptor Barry Linnane. He was assisted by sculptor Don Cronin, in whose foundry at Innishannon the piece was made in late 2016. The stone plinth was carved by Terry McCarthy, Cork. 

UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy described John A as "an institution within our institution" who created much of the College's history, as well as writing about it.  Professor Tom Dunne who worked alongside John A for 20 years described him as a fearless public intellectual who made an extraordinary contribution to UCC.

For more on this story contact:

Lynne Nolan Mob: 087-2101119 or Ruth Mc Donnell Mob: 086-0468950  Media and PR, Office of Marketing and Communications, UCC

University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

College Road, Cork T12 K8AF

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